AFC U17 Asian Cup: India To Play Two Friendlies Against UAE In Thailand

The Indian U17 men's team will face the United Arab Emirates in two friendlies on April 17 and 21, 2026. Both games start at 16:30 IST at Windmill Football Club in Samut Prakan, near Bangkok. The matches are behind closed doors and support the AFC U17 Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2026 preparations.

The 24-member Blue Colts squad reached Thailand on Wednesday, April 15. The team had three friendlies last month in Lopburi, Thailand. They drew 2-2 with Thailand, beat Indonesia 3-0, and lost 1-2 to the Korea Republic. After that run, the squad continued its training camp in Kolkata.

India will play the AFC U17 Asian Cup in Jeddah in Group D. The team meets Australia on May 6, Uzbekistan on May 10, and DPR Korea on May 13. These friendlies against UAE are part of the build-up for those group matches.

India U17 vs UAE match schedule

India U17 squad

India's U17 squad for the UAE friendlies has three goalkeepers. They are Alok Nishad, Manashjyoti Baruah, and Rajrup Sarkar. The defenders are Abhishek Kumar Mondal, Indra Rana Magar, Korou Meitei Konthoujam, Lawmsangzuala, Md Aimaan Bin, Moosa Ashiq Sofi, and Shubham Poonia.

The midfield group includes Dallalmuon Gangte and Denny Singh Wangkhem. It also has Diamond Singh Thokchom, Mukundo Singh Ningthoujam, and Nitishkumar Meitei Yengkhom. The forwards are Adil Aman A, Azlaan Shah Kh, Gunleiba Wangkheirakpam, Heeranganba Seram, Lesvin Rebelo, Rahan Ahmed, Raj Singh Wahengbam, Washington Singh Ngangom, and Yuvraj Kadam.

Coaching staff

The team is led by head coach Bibiano Fernandes. Assistant coach is Subham Rabha, with goalkeeping coach Parshuram Salwadi. With matches closed to fans, focus stays on tactics and fitness. The staff will test combinations before India face Australia, Uzbekistan, and DPR Korea in Jeddah.